It is the vision of the Public Health IRB that investigators are provided with thorough and timely review of their research proposals, and that persons participating in research are assured that all research is conducted in an ethical and accountable manner.

The Public Health IRB is a joint board with the OHA Public Health Division and the Multnomah County Health Department (MCHD). Both agencies are committed to the concept of ethical research and reviewing all research involving human subjects, regardless of funding source.  To affect the reviews, the Public Health IRB is structured and functions in accordance with the Common Rule (45 CFR 46.) Each agency has an assurance in place with the Office for Human Research Protection (OHRP) and as such, no human subject research may be initiated without prior IRB approval.